News

That's A Wrap: Analysis of FC Dallas vs Philadelphia

Guest columnist Daniel Robertson is the founder of BigDSoccer.com. His blog covers everything FC Dallas and local soccer. You can follow him on Twitter @BigDSoccer. In 'That's A Wrap' Daniel details three plays or moments that changed the game.

1) The first play that changed the game was made even before the first whistle blew. With Brek Shea out due to suspension, Schellas Hyndman inserted Bryan Leyva on the left side and added James Marcelin to the midfield pushing Andrew Jacobson farther up the field as Dallas reverted to their more familiar 4-5-1 formation. The move paid immediate dividends as FC Dallas dominated the first half with Leyva and Jacobson in the middle of the majority of the chances. On another day, Jacobson would have grabbed one or two first half goals, while Leyva’s set piece service and link-up play on the left side ignited the FCD offense.

2) One of the best ways to break a scoring funk is to make your set pieces count and FC Dallas did just that in the 7th minute. Bryan Leyva, playing his first game since March 25, served in a fantastic corner finding the head of George John. The defender flicked the ball on to an unmarked Blas Perez at the far post and he made no mistake with his diving header past goalkeeper Chase Harrison. Perez’ team-leading fourth goal of the season was also the earliest goal FCD has scored this year while Leyva earned his first career MLS assist on the play.

3) Philadelphia equalized on their first shot of the game in the 56th minute. A long ball sent in the direction of Lionard Pajoy was inadvertently played through by Carlos Rodriguez, putting Union midfielder Gabriel Gomez through on goal. The Panama national-teamer made no mistake slotting past Kevin Hartman to level the score. For FC Dallas, it was the 16th goal given up in the second half of games this season. Gomez, coincidentally, was the second Panamanian to score in the game after Perez’s first half tally.